4 years..... and counting

4 years ago today my oldest son took his very last chemo pill. I'd like to say that on that day everything changed and all was right with the world. However, that wasn't the case. Cancer was still an ever present word in our house. It was typically followed by the word SURVIVOR, but the word cancer was still mentioned often. Teachers, doctors, and new people we met still had to be notified of his history. He still had to get regular check-ups with the oncologist, take antibiotics twice a day (to prevent infections because his blood counts weren't "normal"),  and the fear of the cancer returning always loomed no matter how much I tried to deny it. But now, FOUR years later, I can honestly say that my 10-year-old lives a very "normal" ten-year-old kind of life. *I* of course still think he stands out and is above average in every sort of way, but for all extensive purposes- he's very much like every other kid his age. The word cancer doesn't often come up around here unless we are trying to raise awareness or fundraise for some great cause. We see a regular pediatrician very irregularly. He even stopped taking the Singulair he'd been taking for allergies for years because he doesn't seem to need it anymore. My kid who took more medicines than I could count for so many years is now just taking 2 vitamins a day. Gummy vitamins to be exact. We were supposed to see his oncologist a few days ago, but I re-scheduled the appointment. I don't recall a time when anything was much more important than making those appointments, but this year the first day of school took precedent. We can get our check-up next week. I am so proud to say that B's cancer diagnosis is a thing of the past. Something to remember, to be mindful of, and to celebrate (the survivorship part), but on our own time- when we choose to do so.

And I choose now. I am SO THANKFUL for the blessing of my son's health. For the health of his little brother and sister.
For our very imperfect lives-- that are just perfect to us.

To celebrate B's cancer journey and 4th OT (off treatment) anniversary a VERY special friend made a quilt from all of his t-shirts I saved throughout the years. I had been hoping to have one made someday, but hadn't found the right person I trusted with such a "job." This quilt is such a blessing to us and we are so thankful for the sweet friend who made it.
Thank you, Connie, from the bottom of our hearts. We will treasure it for a lifetime I'm sure.

Please enjoy the pictures of my munchkin- so very proud of his quilt and all the memories it holds.
I can't wait to post pictures in another 4 years....

Summer's over... more blogging?

Maybe now that summer is over I will find more time to blog. I'm not quite sure why I think that considering only 1 child of mine is currently in school and it just happens to be the one that doesn't need constant care/attention from me, but just go with it!

Things are moving along here, even though I'm not blogging about it. The big guy started 5th grade (MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!) yesterday and seemingly had a good day. I don't get too many details, but I do know that they don't have to tuck in their shirts, he has a couple good friends in his class, and he somehow missed his bus drop off spot and walked home from the front of the neighborhood. Silly kid.

Little man cried most of the morning because he wasn't allowed to go to school with Brother. I finally distracted him long enough to get him dressed and ready for a couple errands only to have him see a backpack at the store...... he was convinced that if he just got to buy the backpack with the lunch kit attached that he would be allowed into Brother's school to eat lunch with him. At least we know he loves his brother (like there was ever any question?!).

The little lady has fit seamlessly into the family. It's like she's always been here. She is such a happy baby! She is 4 months now and had her well visit today. She is growing well and following the growth curve perfectly. She is in about the 75th percentile for height and weight and 35th for head circumference. Oddly enough, the boys have very big heads... but I guess our girl wanted to have a petite and dainty little noggin. She is very strong, although is content to just sit and watch her brothers most days. I'm sure it won't be long before she's rolling/crawling/moving everywhere!

I have a special update planned for 2 days from now. Hope I can be good and get it done.

Thanks for keeping up with us even though I don't always keep up with the updating! ;)